New York, NY: Ecco (2007)

New in paperback.

A new collection—20 years in the making—of poetry and original illustrations by the legendary Leonard Cohen

Internationally celebrated for his writing and his music, Leonard Cohen is one of the great writers, performers, and most consistently daring artists of our time. Book of Longing is Leonard Cohen’s eagerly awaited new collection of poems, following his highly acclaimed 1984 title, Book of Mercy, and his hugely successful 1993 publication, Stranger Music. Containing erotic, playful, and provocative original line drawings by the author, this book brings together all the elements that have elevated Leonard Cohen’s artistry with language to worldwide recognition.

He will never untangle
Or upgrade
The circumstances
That fasten him to this loneliness
Or bent down with love
Comprehend the sudden mercy
Which floods the room

Leonard Cohen’s artistic career began in 1956 with the publication of Let Us Compare Mythologies. Since then, he has published eleven books, including two novels, The Favorite Game and Beautiful Losers, and, most recently, Stranger Music. He has made seventeen albums, the latest being Dear Heather.